Tag Archives: condo

Today: Patriots and paleo.

15 January 2012

10 Comments

There are two (possibly more… maybe, like, six or seven) things in the Universe that I know almost nothing about. Football and the much buzzed about “paleo diet” are two such things. What do you do when you’re totally out of the loop? Throw a (very exclusive small) party. And pretend you know what you’re talking about. With the New England Patriots playing the Denver Bronco in some sort of playoff game, and Nick participating in a paleo challenge at his Crossfit box (in normal human language, that’s a gym), the need for a get together seemed obvious. Helloooo, paleo and Patriots… they both start with p. (I am pathetic. That’s another p word.)

Though I aspire to eat as thoughtfully as my fiance does, sometimes I’d rather just eat nachos and call it a night. And I am fairly certain I would be the first member of the tribe to go extinct were I living in caveman times. I’d much prefer a blade of grass over a wooly mammoth leg, or whatever. While the paleo diet may not be for me, I’m usually up for something new. Especially if it involves feeding people.

According to The Paleo Diet Lifestyle,

A Paleo diet, also known as paleolithic diet or caveman diet, is all about natural foods to help achieve great health and a perfect physique. The human body evolved for more than 2 million years with the food found in nature: game meat, fish, vegetables, wild fruits, eggs and nuts. The human race was thriving on this diet high in animal fat and proteins and low in carbohydrates, but things changed when we introduced unnatural foods to our bodies.

Clark thinks he invented paleo. He’s like, “Dude. I’ve been eating fresh vegetables and nasty ass raw bones since you got me. If you’d let me forage for berries and magic mushrooms, I would. Old news. Give me a grain-free treat.” So sassy, that one (in my imagination, at least). Needless to say, I have a lot to learn.

Meanwhile, anything I know about football I learned from watching my younger brother play. And from listening to sports radio during my measly commute. Driving home earlier this week, a caller mentioned a poll running on the Denver Post’s website asking readers, “Whose life would you rather live: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s or Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow’s?” Is it wrong that I would rather be Tim Tebow? Man Uggs, Super Bowl rings, ponytails and supermodel wives are all well and good… but, um… no thanks. I am easily overwhelmed.

Being easily overwhelmed seemed like a perfectly good reason to hand off (hey, that’s sort of a football phrase) the paleo chicken wing responsibilities to Nick. Being a vegetarian who has undercooked meat on more than one occassion is an equally valid reason. I stuck to less terrifying recipes, ones that bore a lower risk of me giving away botulism:

  • Gazpacho
  • Shrimp ceviche
  • Paleo “sushi” (hollowed cucumbers stuffed with sliced turkey and avocado)
In addition to the wings, Nick also whipped up paleo-friendly margaritas and cantaloupe with prosciutto. He has also perfected a delicious granola recipe that includes pepitas, almonds, sunflower seeds, and coconut. It makes the perfect football snack. Our friends Tina and Mal joined us for the game, and brought the most delicious spinach dip, along with fresh vegetables and veggie chips. The four six of us (Frenchie and pug included) always have such a great time together.

When it was all said and done, the Patriots won quite definitively and the paleo-inspired food seemed to be touchdown dance-worthy. I am beginning to wonder if Clark those cavemen and women were on to something. On second though, those suckers didn’t have stoves. Or sports radio. Or mascara.

Also On Tap for Today:

Who would you rather be, Tom Brady or Tim Tebow? Who would you rather eat like, me or my dog? (Just kidding… unless you’re going to answer.)

Today: ‘Twas the night after Christmas.

26 December 2011

3 Comments

…when all through the condo, not a creature was stirring.  Not even Rajon Rondo.  Because he doesn’t live here.  Never bothers to visit (rude).

Nick, Clark and I enjoyed an absolutely lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, traveling a bit north and a bit south to see our families.  I even got a little snow on the way!  With all the good food, great gifts, and fabulous company, the weekend flew by.  I’m doing my best to extend the holiday a bit longer by donning my gnarly Santa socks and sipping a bit of hot cocoa by the tree.

I hope you’re all having a really happy and healthy holiday season.

Also On Tap for Today:

  • Wedding dress shopping with my sister and sister-in-law :)
  • Amazing photos from The Natural World gallery
  • Playing with Clark and all his new toys

How are you spending this last week of 2011?

Today: Entertaining for mortals.

21 December 2011

8 Comments

I think I have had a life-crush on Martha Stewart ever since I knew she existed.  Truly.  I don’t really even mind the insider trading thing, because well… I love a comeback.  Do I think it’s unseemly to know right from wrong, and still do wrong?  Absolutely.  But who can deny the majesty of this “simple” wreath chandelier?  Or the perfect presentation of desserts set out for expected carolers?

[Image source]

Not me.  While I would love to entertain for a living, I sort of need to make a living in order to entertain.  I don’t have a team of stylists.  I do have a dog that likes to decorate the condo with various half-chewed stuffed animals when we have company, but no… no team of stylists.   I can’t pay chefs to cook lavish meals for in-home dinner parties, and the closest I’ve come to having someone food shop for me is Peapod (a veritable life-saver when there’s a blizzard pending and you’re nearly out of TP).  I have never successfully sewn a pair of boiled wool slippers for my every member of my family, though I did successfully print Martha’s handy templates.  That has to count for something.

While it’s unlikely I will ever become Martha Stewart, Jr. (I’ve heard the name change process is a real bore, plus I rather like the new last name that’s waiting for me in November 2012), and it’s equally unlikely that I will have her resources at my disposal, a girl can dream…  And then wake up, use what resources and creativity and flair she does have, and throw a damn good party.  Or decorate a damn lovely condo.  Or bake a damn tasty cake.

I don’t know why I just said damn three times.  Probably for emphasis.  Did it work?  Entertaining is not just for the Marthas of the world.  It’s also for mortals like you and me.  Want to know how I trick people into thinking I have my act together?  Too bad.  I’m going to tell you anyway.

Set the stage

Every Wednesday this Advent, I’ve hosted faith sharing for fellow Jesuit grads.  If that sounds interesting to you, I’d be happy to elaborate.  If you now think I am a crazy Christian, I’m happy to affirm your thoughts.  ‘Tis the season for giving, after all!  Back to Wednesdays.  Our group arrives at my condo just before 7.  I rarely get out of work before 6.  My commute is usually painless, but every once in a while, the person ahead of me forgets how to drive.  I try not to give people the aggressive horn toot on my way to pray, but um… sometimes it just happens.  I’m often left with all of 20 minutes to make sure our condo is guest-ready, set out food and drinks, find matches (I can’t talk about God without candles.  Just kidding.  Kind of.), put my face back on, and turn my work-brain off.  The key here is planning ahead.  And having a fiance who can field my panicked “I am stuck in a meeting and I forgot to vacuum” phone calls.

It’s no secret that I am list obsessed.  When it comes to entertaining, I have this one memorized and use it for brunches, neighborhood Cinco de Mayo parties, and Yankee swaps with my best pals.

They’ll be here any minute and this place looks, um… lived in!

  1. Empty the trash barrels
  2. Wipe down the counters and sinks
  3. Light candles and safely dispose of the matches
  4. Turn on the electric fireplace
  5. Herd Clark’s rogue toys
  6. Set out plates, glasses and napkins
  7. Fluff the cushions on the sofa, and bust out the Scotch fur fighter
  8. Dust and vacuum, if necessary and time allows

This whole process rarely takes more than 10 minutes (when we live in a sprawling mansion, I anticipate it may take longer), and keeps me just busy enough to gain some mental distance between my work day and what lies ahead.  Survey your home and prioritize before you turn into a cleaning machine.  Think about the places people actually notice.  Just last week, someone commented on how clean our bathroom was.  If that person had stepped foot in my shower, or poked their head under my sink, I imagine they may have felt differently.  People will likely not open your dryer, or duck into your closet, so rather than fold your laundry and organize your shoe rack, spend those minutes tidying your living room.

I would be a hot mess if I didn’t have a timeline in mind.  If I have more than 20 minutes, that timeline almost always includes 19 minutes for freaking out when I burn something in the oven.  I make sure that if I need to get dressed or changed, this is not the last thing I do.  Inevitably people show up early, and no one wants to be greeted by my 11 year old Boston College tee shirt with the gaping hole in the armpit.  Once I am feeling presentable, I might pour myself a beverage, or dance around a bit to my favorite jam of the moment.  A relaxed hostess makes for comfortable guests.  A drunk hostess likely has the opposite effect, but that’s a different post for a different day.

Decor need not be a chore.  A vase or two of simply arranged flowers goes a long way.  Three of my current favorites:  a bouquet of kale, a tall vase of white tulips, or a few branches of holly.

Keep food simple, but special

When it comes to food, I’ve mastered a few dishes that take minimal effort, but are just special enough to impress and can be presented in a fun way.  Appetizers and desserts are key here.  I love hosting casual gatherings where you don’t necessarily sit down for a “real” meal.  Mostly because the last time we did that, I undercooked the chicken breast (what’s a vegetarian to do?) and nearly killed Nick, my brother, and my sister-in-law.  Still sorry about that.

A few options to consider:

Many of these snacks can be made the night before, or are easily prepped.  I like to keep our kitchen stocked with many of the necessary ingredients on hand, just in case the Pope or my sister drops by.  Pre-baked phyllo shells were a genius invention.  Same goes for those little loaves of bread.  It may be because I am a shorty, but I always gravitate towards miniatures.

Fresh vegetables are an easy fix, especially when coupled with a Greek yogurt dip containing every single spice in our cabinet, and every herb in our refrigerator.  That keeps people guessing.  Oh, and cheese.  Who doesn’t love an artfully arranged plate of cheeses?  Someone I don’t want to know, that’s who (I make exceptions for people who are vegan or lactose intolerant, obvi.).

Pop that Crystal.  Or the $9.99 Prosecco.

When it comes to beverages, I have one word for you: bubbles.  Bubbles make everything more festive.  Nothing says, “Oh maaaaaaan, am I having a good time!” quite like a glass of Prosecco, or perhaps some sparkling water with a splash of pomegranate juice.  As a regular on the designated driver circuit, I always appreciate when tap water is not the only alcohol alternative.

Speaking of designated driving, if you’d like an early Christmas gift, remind me to tell you about the time I was the DD at Nick’s fraternity formal.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll nominate me for sainthood.

Keep a stash.  Of cute paper goods.

I tend to keep the presentation clean and simple, using a big ol’ white platter and matching plates.  We have a little stash of fun napkins and paper plates and the like tucked away in one cabinet.  Homegoods is a goldmine when it comes to cute, inexpensive cocktail napkins (imagine the things I would know if my brain weren’t full of thoughts like that one?).  In a perfect world, I would use recyclable cloth napkins and strictly bamboo plates.  But, um… this isn’t a perfect world.  Sorry, Al Gore. :(

We keep platters, bowls, a cheese board, extra vases and other items we use almost exclusively for entertaining in that same cabinet. It’s like one stop shopping.  Except that it’s free, and the inventory never changes.

Play it cool.

The bottom line is this: I’m not Martha.  I’m Elizabeth.  My friends come over to hang out with me, not a lifestyle mogul (likely because she won’t return their calls either).  Entertaining, decorating, cooking, baking, playlist making, and mood setting are things I love to do.  If you’re having fun, you’re likely doing a good job, right?  Just be cool.  And in the words of my kindergarten teacher, be yourself.  Nobody likes an imposter… even one that can turn a wreath into a chandelier.  For the record: I haven’t tried.  Yet.

Also On Tap for Today:

Do you like entertaining?  Or would you prefer to show up with a bottle of wine in hand?

Today: Home, sweet condo.

30 October 2011

12 Comments

Over the past two years, our condo has experienced quite the evolution.  Nick and I were relaxing in the living room recently, with Clark wedged in between us, talking about how much we had accomplished, and planning for the next few projects.  His sage bit of advice for new homeowners? 

Take some time to really live in your space before making big changes.

During year one, the condo looked much like it did when we bought it, except it had our stuff in it, and not the previous owners’ stuff.  I bought a collapsible step stool, which can be carried from room to room by its clever handle, and is essential for a 5 foot 4 incher living in a home with 13 foot ceilings.  We purchased new furniture (a leather sofa, two wing back chairs, and a modern glass coffee table).  Oh, and a rug that turned out to be quite larger than we expected (but the perfect size for our bedroom).

Nick triumphed over the random pendant lamp (the previous owner of our condo claimed it was adjustable… ’twas not) hanging from the equally random soffit in the living room and replaced it with something more normal.  I stood back, gripped by equal parts awe and terror as my then-boyfriend touched electrical wires.  Side note: anytime I hear the word soffit, I think of sock ‘em boppers (more fun than a pillow fight).

After adding a small dog and his large collection of toys, plus a year’s worth of accumulated things, to our household, we started to get a better handle on how we actually live and a better sense of how we might like to live.  We hired an interior designer to help us turn our drawings, lists, magazine clippings and bookmarked websites into reality.  She recommended a general contractor and cabinet maker, and give us a few ideas for sourcing furniture, fabrics and accessories.  Eventually, we also found a wall paper-er and a painter.  To quote our beloved (by me, obvi) Secretary of State, it takes a village to raise a living room.

We went through several rounds of plans, but eventually, the built-ins and bookshelves of our dreams were complete.  The soffit was extended, a new wall was built between the kitchen and living room, the television was mounted on the wall, and we were able to enjoy our new fireplace just in time for our second Christmas in Southie.

With the tarps down and ladders gone, we got to work on the prettier projects.  We ordered wallpaper from London, which proved to be both frivolous and perfect at the same time.  Nick moved his salt water fish tank to storage (R.I.P., Mr. Shrimpers) and I found the perfect faux bois rug to place under our glass table (or as Clark likes to think of it, his clubhouse).  I felt my French degree was justified by that purchase alone.  We searched for furniture that better fit the scale of our condo, giving us more seating for entertaining, and a place to enjoy cozy dinners at home.  After marveling at people taking actual naps on the display beds at Ikea, we found a counter height table and a pair of sleek white chairs to match.  We also snagged two complimenting chairs that can easily be stashed in our front hall closet when we aren’t throwing lavish four person dinner parties (at our most recent “lavish dinner party” I nearly poisoned Nick, my sister-in-law and my brother).

I made an impulse purchase one afternoon, assuming Nick would love a photograph of cowboys surveying a Prada store in the middle of the desert as much as I did.  Same goes for those sculptural drinking glasses.  Oh, and my attempts at “pops of color.”  Nest building is a learning process, it would seem.   Actual communication is always better than mind reading.  Unless you’re a mind reader.  In which case, they’re probably equally valid.  Needless to say, those cowboys helped me to learn a valuable lesson.  You know how I found out Nick hated this Rainbow Brite chandelier I fell hard for?  I asked him.

Back to the cowboys.  I had no idea custom framing took a century to complete (and additionally, costs nearly as much as the artwork itself).  The measuring process alone aged me by several years.  I appreciate double-checking, but triple- and quadruple-checking just plain ol’ makes me nervous.  We selected sleek brushed silver frames for my cowboys (Nick eventually came around, yeeehaaaaw) and two beach stone prints from Boothbay Harbor.  Apparently, I had reason (for once) to be nervous.  One of our three prints went missing for two months during the framing process.  You can’t win ‘em all.

On the same day I decided to test out Crest Whitestrips Advanced (just say no), we spent three hours at Jordan’s Furniture.  As I felt what remained of my tooth enamel slowly and painfully die, Nick felt various microfibers and brocades.  Having already lost one battle with “up to 8 shades whiter” that day, I blinked through my own tears to select a more muted tone for our new sectional (Tuscan pearl, perfect for a couple with a dark brown dog…) whilst Nick and the saleswoman talked measurements and configurations.

Upon returning home, I took a painkiller and whined about my chompers while Nick worked his Craigslist magic and was not murdered by strangers quickly sold our nearly new sofa and chairs to strangers.  We enjoyed a sort of urban camping while awaiting our second furniture delivery in as many years.

When the sofa arrived, on the hottest day of the summer thus far, I nearly wept (as memories of my aching teeth flooded back… just kidding… although I am not kidding about banning those infernal whitestrips from stores).  It was perfect.  Our little home had come so far.  In a matter of days, Nick had installed new uplighting along the brick wall and one of our Buddhas took up residence on the window sill.

We settled on paint colors, including my much sought after pop of Martha Stewart color in the kitchen.  We found a cozy blanket to match the sofa, the perfect new dog bed for Clark, and various bins and canisters for our built-ins.  We have but a few more items to check off the list, including procuring a side table, something for the mantle, and something to grace the wall between our windows.

Though it took some time, and a lot of hard work (Nick deserves the majority of credit, to be sure), our living room has become our sanctuary in the city.  It is the perfect place to entertain friends, play fetch with Clark and his toy of the moment, ice and foam roll after long runs, enjoy Harry Potter movie marathons, play The Michael Jackson Experience on the wii, curl up with a good book, or simply relax with one another.

We’re doing a whole lot of living in our new living room.

Also On Tap for Today:

Which room in your home is your favorite?  Where do you spend the most time?

Today: A place for everything.

30 August 2011

9 Comments

…and everything in its place.

When you live in a chic, urban (read: fashionably small) condo with precisely one man and one French bulldog, it’s important to put things where they belong.  Or else, those things will likely fall on you, trip you, and/or annoy you.  Though I don’t always follow the rules, we really do have a place for just about everything.

Gadgets and gizmos a plenty

Where ya bin?

Chargers, cords, and connector thingies all reside in fabric bins on a shelf, close to their motherships.  In an attempt to prevent these wires from forming their own amoeba, I’ve recently coiled and clipped them into place, using plain ol’ binder clips.  Then I went to town with my label maker.  Because the nerd factor needed to be upped.  Our gizmos are further sorted into three groups:

  • Remotes and computer things
  • Running, camera and iPhone/iPod things
  • Wii and xbox and I don’t know what this thing is things

I've got the power!

Every once in a while we use real, live batteries (and then pollute the universe by throwing them out).  Just the other day, in an Irene-induced panic, I bought a whole slew of AA and AAAs.  And then I couldn’t find a single flashlight, so basically: a pointless purchase.  Batteries are ugly, but they look less ugly when stored in a vase.  Kind of.

I love using vases for storage. In college, I kept all my makeup in a low, wide vase and my paintbrushes and art supplies in several tall bud vases.  And then I grew up, and became uncool.

Precious jewels

Locked and loaded.

I don’t wear a ton of jewelry, mostly because I don’t like stuff touching me.  I like to keep my modest collection nice and organized though, so my jewels are at the ready for benefits, balls, and ballin’ out.  I keep bigger items, like that fabulous necklace I recently scored for 50% off (I love an unmarked sale) at Habit, and my giant wonkin’ marathon medal, in my jewelry box.

I'll take a dozen of the sparkly stuff.

And smaller, everyday things, like earrings and my race bling, go in this cute little ceramic egg crate.  Originally, I planned to use it to store, um, eggs… but I sort of forgot that we have a built-in egg crate in our fridge.

Coral is good for corralling things.

When I am feeling especially lazy, I drop my bracelets and earrings in the bathroom, on this old hunk of coral, before washing my face and dive bombing into bed.

Bobby pins

Hi, Bobby.

Yes, bobby pins get their own header.  To know me is to love me, and to love me is to find a wake of bobby pins in my path.  I can’t live without them.  Truly.  I recently added a few Spin Pins to the collection.  Don’t be turned off by Goody’s weird-o television advertisements.  These little guys really work.  Anyway, it’s not unusual for me to curl into bed, only to be stabbed in the skull by a rogue pin.  I used to chuck them across the room.  Don’t tell.  I now take a more civilized approach and place them in a shallow bowl, in the top drawer of my bedside table.

Toys, collars, and other frogdog things

Damn raccoon got in the condo again!

Clark has amassed quite the toy collection, despite his best efforts to eat each one, limb by piddly limb.  I bought this Martha Stewart toy bin when her line debuted at PetSmart.  Though the hen house, stuffed eggplant, and baby bunny did not survive their first week… this toy bin has stood the test of time.  And chewing.  I like how it’s shaped perfectly for Clark to creep and peep on his toys, leaving room to pull out exactly what he’s looking for.

Woof.

While people may judge the use of training collars, I personally think– with training– Clark’s collar is one of the best ways we keep him safe, especially living on a busy city street.  He also wears a flat collar with his ID and rabies tags, his City of Boston license, and his Home Away ID.  When I came across this Frenchie hook at Anthropologie, I could not resist.

Hook me up, lady.

The hook hangs right beside the front door, so we’re never scrambling to find Clark’s leash or collars when it’s time to hit the road.  There’s also the tiniest bit of space behind the hook, perfect for leaving notes from and payment for our dog-walker.

We keep Clark’s long line, holy sh-t bags, and first aid supplies close to the door.  His bath supplies, including his brush and oatmeal bath, fit neatly inside another one of Martha’s creations, on a shelf in the bathroom.  His gold bars, miniature Porsche and lavish robes are kept in the front hall closet.

Books, books and more books and some computers

It’s no secret that I love to read.  I really need to keep my book collection in check, however.  Even with the bookshelves of my dreams, I fear I am one book away from starring in an episode of Hoarders: Jane Austen Edition.

Books, wine and technology. Hallelujah.

Our cookbooks, including the one from 1960 that I permanently borrowed from my grandparents’ house, live closer to the kitchen.  I need a step stool to reach them… so usually I just make up my own recipes.  Just kidding.  Sort of.

Our laptops used to float around from sofa to chair to table, and occasionally from the arm of the sofa to the concrete floor.  When a piece of my keyboard shot clear across the living room, I knew I needed to find a more stable environment for our technology.  I found these stands on Amazon; they turned out to be the perfect fit.

Unfortunately, the wine racks I picked up at West Elm were not the perfect fit for our Champagne and prosecco collection (guess I need to drink ‘em!), but they do hold our skinnier adult grape juices quite well.  And they match the mantle rather famously.

Food, glorious food

I try to keep our ‘fridge as organized as possible, making it easier to eat the good stuff, and harder to eat the cheese doodles.  We keep fresh herbs, chia seeds, Amazing Grass and hummus in low profile bins, that can be conveniently pulled out and rearranged.

These are great for making peas.

As with most things in life, I try not to take our stuff too seriously.  After all, it’s just stuff.  It’s not that important.  I like to keep wooden spoons and brightly colored straws– things I use most mornings– in a fun Buddha cup (an Etsy find) near its little Buddha friends.  If you’re going to keep something around, it better serve a purpose or make you smile.  If it can do both, well… all the better.

Also On Tap for Today:

What’s your favorite organizing trick?

Today: Oh, deer.

3 August 2011

6 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I love a good stroll through the Homegoods section at T.J. Maxx.  You never know what might catch your eye.  Or… give you the evil side-eye from the top shelf.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Apparently, after his mom was offed, Bambi ended up in the vase aisle.  I thought about sneaking this into my cart, posing it on our mantle at home and trying to pass it off as a serious decoration.   You know, to annoy Nick.  And then I thought about waking in the wee hours of the morning, as I often do, stumbling into the kitchen for a glass of water and squaring off with those menacing eyes (and hooves).  And subsequently having a heart attack.

No prank is worth that (even with a deeply discounted price tag).  On the other hand, if it was sanded and spray painted white… hmm… would that be dear?  I may be back on the hunt.

Also On Tap for Today:

Did you shop this weekend? Spot anything zany?

Today: Don’t ask, don’t tell.

5 July 2011

4 Comments

Clark has a new favorite place in our condo to chill.  Let’s just this between the two of us, okay?

Not normal.

Our dog walker is away this week, so I get to sneak out of the office at lunch for some Frenchie fun time.  Never a dull moment with this little dude.

Also On Tap for Today:

Where’s your favorite place to chill?

Today: Oh, Mexico.

5 May 2011

4 Comments

In honor of el Cinco de Mayo, I’m taking a trip down Memory Lane.  To Mexico.  Passports not required.  Which is good, because I can’t find mine… again.

I'm coco-nuts about this beach in Tulum.

Unbereefable, right?

Ruins in the rain.

Ditto, but on a grander scale.

Okaaay, time to go.

Gentle reminder: It's always good to take a siesta before the fiesta. Even luchadors get sleepy.

I hope you all have a lovely Thursday, and a happy Cinco de Mayo.

Also On Tap for Today:

What do you day dream about most often?

Today: I came, I saw, I conquered..

29 March 2011

7 Comments

..the One Day Sale on tulips at Whole Foods.  I know, I am truly a badass.

A really tall person took this photo. Just kidding. It was me, on my stepstool. Wearing heels.

I’m not usually one to go bonkers over a sale (though I will never pay full price at places the Gap, after realizing everything goes on sale 3.5 minutes after you pay full price), but this One Day Sale really got me jazzed.  I scooped up three bunches of tulips for $12.  That’s 40 cents per tulip.  I’m sure even Clark could afford that (Lord knows what sort of change he’s hoarding in his crate; I once found a pony hair ballet flat and a Michael Kors handbag in there).  Aaaand they didn’t die the next day!

I usually gravitate toward all white arrangements, but with winter’s unwelcome return to Boston this past weekend, I had to add a bit of bright and bold.  I love pairing pink and red flowers, and thought that’s what I was doing… but apparently I am colorblind, because upon closer review, those are clearly orange tulips.  Hey.  That works too.

I may get captured by scientists upon revealing this (they’ll surely want to learn my secrets), but I’ve kept a vase of white calla lilies alive since the weekend before Valentine’s Day.  I intend to keep these tulips alive until Thanksgiving, God willing.  I may need to shellac them.  To avoid being taken to NASA or wherever scientists live, I’ll just spill all of my top not-so-secret info.

  • Buy flowers when they’re barely (if at all) blooming.  The tighter the bud, the better.
  • Cut a half inch or so from the stems before placing them in water.  I find it easiest to do this while they’re still wrapped.  That way avoid getting stabbed by thorns, and your stems will be uniform in height (you can snip them shorter once you start arranging, if you’re into that sort of thing).
  • Remove any and all leaves.  They drain energy from the flower and turn all swampy if submerged.
  • Place the flowers in a vase of cold water.  Change the water daily.  Temperature is important.
  • I am not sure where those flower food packets come from, but I am pretty sure it’s a warehouse from 1970 that has been trying to unload those chemicals for decades.  You don’t need to use that stuff.

Incidentally, one of my favorite books growing up was The First Tulips in Holland.  I am thinking of writing a sequel called The Five Hundredth Tulips in South Boston.  It’s got a nice ring, eh?

Also On Tap for Today:

What is your favorite flower?  Do you have any top secret knowledge to share?

Today: Cribs, never-heard-of-this-person-before edition.

16 January 2011

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 Humans are nosy creatures.  I’m pretty sure we were just born that way.  Either that, or MTV’s Cribs made us that way.  We could debate nature vs. nurture, or I could just let you peek inside my fridge and call it a day.

48 hours ago, our refrigerator housed nothing but a jar of pickles, a bruised tomato and a few bottles of Nick’s home brewed beer.  Perhaps that’s why I mysteriously lost two pounds.  I scaled back our grocery shopping knowing we’d be away over the holidays and for the marathon.  What I didn’t anticipate was a full blown blizzard coinciding with a full blown post-marathon hunger rage.  Whoopsies.  We made do with one or two quick trips to the store, plus a gigantic Peapod order once the snow had cleared and the truck could safely make it down our driveway.  Now we have three jars of pickles.  And some other stuff, too.  Grocery delivery has changed my life for the better.  And the lazier.

A few tips if you’re considering a similar service:

  • I still do most of my shopping in person, like most non-celebrities, but Peapod and similar services are great for large orders and stocking up, or for when you don’t want to carry economy-sized packs of toilet paper through your building lobby.
  • Ordering online is convenient, helps with meal planning, and helps to eliminate impulse purchases… like Star Magazine, for example.  Or chocolate-covered… chocolate.  The downside being, obviously, that you never find out if that baby really is an alien, and you miss out on the chocolate.
  • Coupons, online specials, and the odd discount code or two help to offset the delivery fee– many services will give you free delivery on your first order.  Once you get a taste, you’ll probably get addicted.  You’ve been warned.
  • Our driver always takes our plastic bags from previous orders, so I don’t feel quite as bad about blowing up the Earth by not using re-usable bags.  This may not be true for every service, but it’s worth looking into.

One of these things is not like the others. Hint: it's the bagel that could be mistaken for a small asteroid.

I took Bridget‘s lead and supplemented my usual groceries with a trip to the Wayland Winter Market at Russell’s Garden Center.  One of my favorite things about living in the city is having access to multiple farmers’ markets during the spring, summer and fall, but it wasn’t until I read Bridget’s recent post about winter markets that I realized how much I missed the local, farm-fresh produce and goodies during the cold months.  Yesterday marked my first Saturday in nearly five months with no early morning long run On Tap, so I hopped in the car and enjoyed a gorgeous, snowy ride west of the city to Russell’s.

In addition to the fromage blanc (from a farm in my hometown) and Pam’s Salstina, I also picked up a bag of loose black citrus tea, two salt bagels the size of my head, and a big bunch of fresh basil from the Cape.  There was a great variety of vendors at tables scattered throughout the garden center.  It was a lovely way to spend the morning and add a few fun ingredients to ye old fridge.

Curious about the rest of the kitchen?

I think Nick’s favorite thing about the kitchen (besides the fact that food magically appears in there), is the under-counter lighting.  Those lights make no sense to me, so we spent 5-12 hours a week, following one another to the light switch turning them on and off.  I figure we’re saving time by having someone else grocery shop for us, so we may as well waste that saved time, by wasting energy.

A real bulldog, and a real bulldog tea towel.

Our kitchen is rather small, but I think it’s just plain perfect.  There’s plenty of room for everything we might need, and no room for the things we don’t need.

Yes, that is a Sandra Lee cookbook.  Don’t judge.  She makes a mean tablescape, and an even meaner cocktail.

In case you need proof that art imitates life, I give you a newly acquired piece of art, which cost about the same as two bunches of basil.  And it hasn’t wilted.  Yet.

A print of Jane Mount's Ideal Bookshelf 102: Cooking... must frame and hang sometime this millennia.

The two hardest working things in the kitchen (besides the dishwasher, obvi) help me to reach things that are way up, or way down.

A collapsable step stool for shorties like me, and a very furry vacuum cleaner.

And last but not least, my absolute favorite, functional item in the kitchen:  my BC Grandpa mug.  I sort of stole it (with my mom’s permission) from my grandparents’ house when my Grandma was moving into assisted living.  As much as I like everything to match, I think there’s something sort of sentimental about tea mugs.

Cute mug for a cute man!

My grandpa was one of the kindest, sweetest men, and though he didn’t live to see me or my siblings graduate from BC (or Merrimack… hello, big little brother), I think he’d get a kick out of me walking around with his mug.  And he’d probably like our kitchen.  I would’ve loved to show him around. :)

Welp, it’s almost time for grown men to get paid millions to jump on one another the Patriots v. Jets, so off I go.  Perhaps I’ll take you on a tour of the living room if the game gets boring.

Also On Tap for Today:

What your favorite thing in the kitchen?  What do you always keep stocked in your fridge?